Computer eyewear with spectral filtering

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of computer eyewear include optical treatments to provide a relaxing, calming, and soothing light environment for the eye. Certain embodiments of computer eyewear include a frame and two lenses. Each lens in these embodiments has optical power in the range from about +0.1 to about +0.5 diopters, and provides spectral filtering characterized by a transmission curve. The transmission curve includes a stop band portion positioned between about 320 nm to about 400 nm, a first plateau region positioned between about 420 nm to about 450 nm, a ramp region positioned between about 470 nm to about 560 nm, and a second plateau region positioned between about 570 nm to about 680 nm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to eyewear, and more particularly toeyewear for enhancing a user's experience when viewing a computerscreen, or other near object, for extended periods of time.

2. Description of the Related Art

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a condition which can result fromfocusing the eyes on a computer display for protracted periods of time.Common symptoms of CVS are blurred vision, headaches, musculoskeletalpain and fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, difficulty in focusing the eyesat various distances, double vision, and light sensitivity. Due in partto the prevalence of extended computer usage in many vocations, CVS is aproblem that does now, or may in the future, afflict millions ofindividuals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of eyewear for viewing a near object, such as acomputer screen, for extended periods of time are described herein.

One innovative aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein is computereyewear. The computer eyewear includes a first and second lens with eachlens having optical power in the range from about +0.1 to about +0.5diopters. Each lens provides spectral filtering characterized by atransmission curve. The transmission curve includes a stop band portionpositioned between about 320 nm to about 400 nm. The stop band portionreduces transmitted light by at least about 95% on average. Thetransmission curve also includes a first plateau region positionedbetween about 420 nm to about 450 nm, which transmits at least about 30%of light on average. The transmission curve further includes a rampregion positioned between about 470 nm to about 560 nm. The ramp regionhas higher transmission than the plateau region and reduces transmittedlight by about 25% to about 35% on average at about 470 nm to about 480nm. The transmission curve also includes a second plateau regionpositioned between about 570 nm to about 680 nm. The second plateauregion reduces transmitted light by less than or equal to about 3% onaverage at about 640 nm to about 660 nm. The computer eyewear alsoincludes a frame portion disposed about the first and second lens toprovide support. Each lens can include a yellow tint to contribute tothe spectral filtering.

In certain embodiments, the stop band portion reduces the transmittedlight by at least about 97%. The stop band portion can also transmit atleast about 1% of light between about 320 nm to about 400 nm. In someembodiments, the first plateau region extends over a width of at leastabout 10 nm. For example, the first plateau region can extend betweenabout 430 nm to about 440 nm. In some embodiments, the first plateauregion can transmit about 32% to about 36% of light. In someembodiments, the first plateau region can transmit about 32.5% to about35.5% of light.

In certain embodiments, the ramp region extends over a width of at leastabout 50 nm. For example, the ramp region can extend between about 480nm and about 530 nm. The computer eyewear of some embodiments has atransmission curve wherein the ramp region reduces transmitted light byabout 25.5% to about 34.5% at about 470 nm to about 480 nm. The computereyewear of some embodiments has a transmission curve wherein the rampregion reduces transmitted light by about 26% to about 34% at about 470nm to about 480 nm. As yet another example, the computer eyewear of someembodiments has a transmission curve wherein the ramp region reducestransmitted light by about 26.5% to about 33.5% at about 470 nm to about480 nm.

Various embodiments of the computer eyewear have transmission curveswith the second plateau region reducing transmitted light by less thanor equal to about 2.5% of light at about 640 nm to about 660 nm. Someembodiments of the computer eyewear have transmission curves with thesecond plateau region reducing transmitted light by less than or equalto about 2% of light at about 640 nm to about 660 nm.

The computer eyewear of some embodiments includes a first and secondlens having substantially the same optical power to provideoff-the-shelf correction for a user having substantially normaluncorrected or spectacle vision when viewing a computer screen. Anotherinnovative aspect is a kit including a package of three or more pairs ofthe computer eyewear described herein. In other embodiments, the firstand second lens have an additional amount of optical power to provideprescriptive correction for a user when viewing a computer screen, eachlens providing spectral filtering characterized by a transmission curve.

In computer eyewear of some embodiments, each lens has optical powerless than about +0.5 diopters. In some embodiments, each lens hasoptical power less than about +0.25 diopters. As a further example, eachlens can have optical power equal to about +0.2 diopters. The computereyewear can have wrap or pantoscopic tilt.

Another innovative aspect is a computer eyewear including a first andsecond lens, each lens having optical power in the range from about +0.1to about +0.5 diopters. Each lens provides spectral filteringcharacterized by a transmission curve. The transmission curve includes astop band portion positioned between about 320 nm to about 400 nm, afirst plateau region positioned between about 420 nm to about 450 nm, aramp region positioned between about 470 nm to about 560 nm and havinghigher transmission than the plateau region, and a second plateau regionpositioned between about 570 nm to about 680 nm. The ratio of a percenttransmission at about 470 nm to a percent transmission at about 440 nmcan be about 1.8 to about 2.2. In some embodiments, the ratio of apercent transmission at about 470 nm to a percent transmission at about440 nm is about 1.9 to about 2.1. The computer eyewear also can includea frame portion disposed about the first and second lens to providesupport.

In some embodiments, the ratio of a percent transmission at about 650 nmto a percent transmission at about 470 nm can be about 1.3 to about 1.5.As another example, the ratio of the percent transmission at about 650nm to the percent transmission at about 470 nm can be about 1.35 toabout 1.45. In some embodiments, the ratio of a percent transmission atabout 650 nm to a percent transmission at about 440 nm is about 2.7 toabout 2.9.

The computer eyewear of certain embodiments can include a first andsecond lens. The lens can include a dye combination having about 20%Yellow CY03, about 7% Orange 8150, about 2% Orange type

-, and about 71% Diffusant EBFF by weight, based upon the total weightof the dye combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It isto be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taughtor suggested herein. Certain embodiments are schematically illustratedin the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of eyewear that mitigates the symptomsof computer vision syndrome, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the eyewear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the eyewear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of eyewear with decentered lenses for use in awrap-around design, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a lens of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of eyewear that includes removableside-shields for reducing symptoms of computer vision syndrome,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a plot of the visible spectral emission of a typicalfluorescent lamp;

FIG. 7B is a plot of an example transmission curve of an opticaltreatment for performing spectral filtering of light incident upon alens;

FIG. 7C is a plot of an other example transmission curve of an opticaltreatment for performing spectral filtering of light incident upon alens;

FIG. 7D is a plot of FIG. 7C illustrating example error bars; and

FIG. 7E illustrates example plots of FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C superimposed onone another.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a non-uniform optical treatment forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a non-uniform optical treatmentfor performing spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens;

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of an optical treatment forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens; and

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of an optical treatment forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens.

FIG. 12 is a plot that illustrates measured humidity on the ocular sideof the lenses of an embodiment of computer eyewear in use versus thehumidity on the exterior surface of the lenses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of eyewear for enhancing the experience of viewing anear object, such as a computer screen, for extended periods of time aredescribed herein. The eyewear is non-prescription eyewear; it can beused without the requirement of an optometric examination and can bemass-manufactured without regard to the specific optical prescription ofthe end-user's eyes.

As described herein, computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a condition whichcan result from focusing the eyes on a computer display for protractedperiods of time. Common symptoms of CVS are blurred vision, headaches,musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, difficulty infocusing the eyes at various distances, double vision, and lightsensitivity.

Relaxed eyes focus at a distance called the resting point ofaccommodation. For normal, healthy eyes, the resting point ofaccommodation is further away than the typical range of distances forviewing a computer monitor or other relatively near object upon which aperson may fixate for substantial periods of time. Therefore, viewing acomputer screen typically requires eye muscles to contract to bring animage of the screen, formed by the physiologic lenses, into focus at theretinas. This process of contracting eye muscles to increase the opticalpower of the corneal lenses is called accommodation. With extended,repetitive use, eye muscles used for accommodation tire. When theaccommodation system begins to fail, an adaptation used to help clearoptical blur is the pin-hole effect created by squinting. The increaseduse of facial muscles for the purpose of squinting and repetitive use ofthe intra-ocular muscles of the accommodative system can create some ofthe discomfort associated with many symptoms of CVS. In some cases,repetitive viewing of near objects, such as a computer screen, can evenlead to long-term vision degeneration.

Vergence demand can also lead to symptoms of CVS. Vergence is thesimultaneous movement of the eyes in opposite directions to maintainbinocular vision. Just as normal eyes have a resting point ofaccommodation, they also have a resting point of vergence. Typically,the resting point of vergence causes the respective lines of sight ofthe left and right eyes to converge at a point that is further away thanthe typical viewing distance of a computer monitor. When viewing a nearobject, such as a computer monitor, eye muscles must rotate the eyesinwardly (toward the nose) so that both eyes converge upon the samepoint. As is the case for use of eye muscles for accommodation, extendedcontraction of eye muscles to converge on a near point can causediscomfort as well as vision problems. In addition, the systems ofvergence and accommodation are linked in the brain stem. When the eyesaccommodate, they converge. Some imbalances between these systems cancause symptoms of CVS with extended near work.

While many symptoms of CVS are caused by strain in the eye and facemuscles to meet accommodation and vergence demands while viewingrelatively near objects, there are also other factors which contributeto CVS. For example, studies have shown that people tend to blink lessoften than normal while viewing a computer screen or concentrating onnear objects. Staring and decreased frequency of blinking can cause theeyes to dry out, leading to discomfort. Making matters still worse isthe fact that many work environments include relatively dry air currentsfrom HVAC equipment that increase tear evaporation and dryness in theeyes.

Some embodiments of the eyewear described herein mitigate symptomsgenerally associated with CVS. For example, some embodiments of theeyewear include lenses with a relatively small amount of optical powerfor lessening accommodation demands upon a user's eyes while viewing acomputer screen through the eyewear at a typical working distance. Theeyewear can also include an amount of prismatic power for lesseningconvergence demands upon a user's eyes while viewing a computer screenthrough the eyewear at a typical working distance. Some embodiments ofthe eyewear also include optical coatings, and other types of opticaltreatments, for performing spectral and spatial filtering upon lightpassing through the lenses in order to achieve desirable effectsdescribed herein, such as altering the spectrum of light that isincident upon the user's retinas.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the eyewear has a wrap-arounddesign. For example, the frame and/or the lenses may have a wrap-arounddesign. The wrap-around design shields the eyes from air currents thatcould otherwise deprive the eyes of their natural moisture, helping toprevent uncomfortable dryness of the eyes. The eyewear may also includeadditional features for lessening air currents in the vicinity of theuser's eyes, such as side-shields removably attached to the eyewear. Insome embodiments, the wrap-around design, removable side-shields, andother features also aid in blocking extraneous light from reaching auser's eyes. Such extraneous light can increase glare, making it moredifficult for a user to comfortably view an object such as a computermonitor.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of computer eyewear 110 that mitigatesthe symptoms of computer vision syndrome, according to one embodiment.The computer eyewear 110 includes a frame 115, left and right lenses120, left and right ear stems 125, and a nose piece 130. FIG. 2 is afront perspective view of the computer eyewear 110 of FIG. 1, while FIG.3 is a side perspective view of the computer eyewear 110 of FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the frame 115 is configured to support thelenses 120 in front of a user's eyes. The frame 115 is illustrated as aunitary piece with enclosures for the lenses 120 connected by a bridgeportion 16. The bridge portion 16 is located at a medial region of thecomputer eyewear 110 and helps support the computer eyewear 110 on auser's nose. The frame 115 is coupled to left and right ear stems 125 atleft and right lateral regions of the computer eyewear 110.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate only a single embodiment of the frame 115 and oneskilled in the art will recognize that computer eyewear frames can takemany different shapes, sizes, and styles to suit the needs and aesthetictastes of a wide variety of individuals. For example, the frame 115 maynot be a unitary part but may instead comprise several pieces which arecoupled together to form the frame 115. In some embodiments, the frame115 does not entirely enclose the lenses 120 but instead supports themby one or more edges of the lenses 120. For example, the frame 115 maysupport the lenses 120 by their top edge 121 such that the lenses 120suspend from the frame 115 downward in front of a user's eyes. Moreover,in some embodiments, the frame 115 need not support the lenses 120 bytheir edges but may instead be coupled to a surface of the lenses 120 bya fastener or adhesive.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the computer eyewear 110 also includes left andright ear stems 125 for supporting the eyewear 110 on a user's ears. Theear stems 125 are coupled to the frame 115 by hinges 126. The computereyewear 110 also includes a nose piece 130 for supporting the eyewear110 on a user's nose. It should be understood that any type of ear stem,hinge, nosepiece, or the like can be used with various embodiments ofthe computer eyewear 110. In addition, not all embodiments include eachof the features illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and some embodiments includeadditional features. For example, in some embodiments the computereyewear 110 includes one or more straps to secure the eyewear to auser's head or clips to attach the computer eyewear 110 to a user'sprescriptions eyeglasses.

In some embodiments, the frame 115 and/or ear stems 125 are made ofmetal, though other materials, such as plastics can also be used.Generally speaking, the frame 115 and ear stem 125 material can bechosen based on its strength, durability, density, and appearance. Insome embodiments, relatively strong, low-density metals areadvantageously chosen for the frame 115 and/or ear stem 125 material.For example, strong, light-weight metals such as aluminum, magnesium,titanium, alloys of the same, and the like can be used. These materialsallow for the design of sturdy, light-weight eyewear 110. Othermaterials may also be used.

Since the overall weight of the computer eyewear 110 is significantlyaffected by the weight of the frame 115 and ear stems 125, the usage oflow-weight materials results in computer eyewear 110 that is morecomfortable for a user over long periods of time than if a densermaterial had been chosen. For example, it may be typical for a user towear the computer eyewear 110 for periods of up to ten hours per day orlonger viewing a computer screen. In some embodiments, the user's levelof comfort while using the computer eyewear 110 is enhanced because theoverall weight of the computer eyewear 110 does not exceed approximately40 grams. For example, in some embodiments the overall weight of thecomputer eyewear 110 is less than approximately 30 grams. In someembodiments, the overall weight of the computer eyewear 110 is less thanapproximately 20 grams. In some embodiments, the overall weight of thecomputer eyewear 110 is less than approximately 15 grams. Values outsidethese ranges are also possible.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the computer eyewear 110 has a dual-lensdesign with left and right lenses 120. In other embodiments, thecomputer eyewear 110 may have a unitary lens structure with separateregions of optical power positioned in front of the user's eyes. Thelenses 120 have an ocular curve, which comprises the eye-side surface ofthe lenses 120, and a base curve, which comprises the opposing, orouter, surface of the lenses 120. As described herein, the lenses 120can include a mirror coating, tinting, an anti-reflective (AR) coating,combinations of the same, or the like on one or more of the base andocular lens surfaces.

The lenses 120 are positive-power, or converging, lenses that reduce theaccommodation demand upon a user's eyes while viewing a computer screenor other relatively near object upon which the user fixates forsignificant periods of time. The accommodative demand is lessenedbecause the positive optical power of the lenses 120 sets the user'sresting point of accommodation at a distance that is closer to thedistance of the computer screen, or other object, that the user isviewing while wearing the eyewear 110. Since the positive optical powerof the lenses 120 reduces accommodative demand, the user's eye musclesare permitted to relax, which in turn mitigates various symptoms of CVS.

In addition, the positive optical power of the lenses 120 may providesome magnification of objects nearer to the user than approximately thefocal length of the lenses 120 by forming an enlarged virtual image ofthe object. Thus, in the case of a computer screen viewed at a distanceless than the focal length of the lenses 120, text and images appearingon the computer screen are somewhat enlarged, allowing the user to readfont sizes or see other details that would have been more difficult toperceive in the absence of the lenses 120.

The optical power required to eliminate accommodative demand for a givenuser viewing a computer monitor at a fixed distance can be calculated.However, experimental testing has revealed that it is also beneficial toconsider subjective factors in selecting an optimal level of opticalpower for the computer eyewear. For example, if the lenses 120 are toostrong they may cause the user to feel disoriented when looking atobjects more distant than the computer screen. This feeling ofdisorientation can reduce the perceived benefit of using computereyewear which, in theory, has the correct amount of optical power toeliminate accommodative demand upon the eyes while viewing a computerscreen at a specified distance. In addition, the lenses 120 should notbe so weak as to inadequately reduce the accommodative demand upon auser's eyes such that the user does not perceive a benefit to thecomputer eyewear.

Experimental testing has been conducted in an effort to determine afavorable level of optical power for a broad range of users, the resultsof which are included herein as Appendix A. As the eyewear isnon-prescription, non-custom, stock eyewear, the optical parameters invarious embodiments are configured to satisfy most wearers at typicalcomputer display viewing distances. Accordingly, a group of computerusers was studied to determine the optical parameters that worked wellfor most of the group. The experimental testing involved 58 subjectsusing computer eyewear of different optical powers in actual officeenvironments. The eye-to-computer display viewing distance for mostusers was 20-30 inches, though this distance depends upon factors suchas workspace set up and whether the wearer uses a desktop computer or alaptop computer (which tend to be viewed at shorter distances). Forexample, the working distance for some users fell in other less commonranges such as 35-40 inches, 30-35 inches, or less than 20 inches.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the computer eyewear is designed forviewing distances of 30 inches or less, while in other embodiments, thecomputer eyewear is designed for viewing distances of 35 inches or lessor for 40 inches or less. In some embodiments, the computer eyewear isdesigned for viewing distances of 25 inches or less, and in certainembodiments, the computer eyewear is designed for viewing distances of20 inches or less.

While the preferred optical power of the lenses 120 was found to varysomewhat from user to user, in general, the experimental testingrevealed that an optical power of +0.5 diopters may be too strong. Somesubjects who tested the +0.5 diopter lenses reported that the eyewearwas disorienting. Based on the results of the experimental testing, itis believed that lenses 120 with optical power of approximately +0.2diopters allow a high percentage of users to benefit from the reducedaccommodative demand upon the eyes without causing undue discomfort ordisorientation as may result in some users with lenses of greateroptical power. Nevertheless, the +0.2 D power level provides noticeableand beneficial reduction of accommodative demand and magnification ofthe computer screen. The value of +0.2 D is meaningfully less than theamount of accommodative aid required to eliminate accommodative demandfor a user with normal vision viewing a computer display at a typicalworking distance of 30 inches or less, which is a surprising result.

In an experiment, employees in office environments were given a pair ofglasses with no optical power, +0.125 diopters, +0.25 diopters, +0.375diopters or +0.50 diopters of optical power. The participants filled outa questionnaire both at the beginning and the end of the day. Theparticipants were also provided additional questionnaires at thebeginning of the study and at the end of the study. Notably, theparticipants indicated that their eyes felt more relaxed and that thecomputer screen was clearer and the text sharper with the eyewear havingoptical power. Accordingly, the test results show that the participantspreferred the powered eyewear (+0.125 D, +0.25 D, +0.375 D, +0.5 D) overnon-powered eyewear (0 D). The test results, however, show that most ofthe participants did not prefer the higher power levels, e.g., +0.5 Dpower or +0.375 D power and instead preferred the lower power levels of+0.125 D and +0.25 D. More participants preferred +0.375 D than +0.5 D.Also, more participants preferred +0.125 D to +0.25 D.

Accordingly, most participants preferred the eyewear with +0.25 D orless. Importantly, +0.25 D is generally the lowest increment of opticalpower provided in prescription eyewear. Eyeglass manufacturing labs (atleast in the U.S.) are generally not equipped to reproduce powerincrements below +0.25 D, such as +0.2 D. Special, non-standard, moldsmay thus need to be used in order to create these powered lenses withoptical power below +0.25 D.

While more optical power provides increased magnification of thecomputer screen, in various embodiments described herein, a loweroptical power is selected to avoid the accompanying disorientingeffects. Nevertheless, the optical power is still large enough toprovide reduced accommodative demand and/or magnification that isnoticeable to the wearer. Such eyewear provides immediately perceivablebenefits of reduced accommodative demand and magnification but reduceseffects such as disorientation when viewing objects more distant than atypical eye-to-computer display distance (e.g., greater than 30 inches).

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 isgreater than zero and less than or equal to +0.25 diopters. In someembodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 is greater than orequal to +0.1 diopters, or greater than or equal to +0.125 diopters, andless than or equal to +0.25 diopters. In various embodiments, theoptical power is less than +0.25 diopters. In certain embodiments, theoptical power of the lenses 120 is about +0.125 diopters. In someembodiments the optical power of the lenses 120 is about +0.1 diopters.However, in some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 isabout +0.2 diopters. With a value from +0.125 D to +0.25 D, such as +0.2D, the eyeglasses may be able to satisfy the majority of wearers as thestudy results show that the majority of participants preferred +0.125 Dor +0.25 D. As described above, however, selection of about +0.2 Dprovides a balance between attaining a noticeable reduction ofaccommodative demand and magnification of the computer screen that ismeaningful to the wearer while reducing disorientation when viewingobjects more distant that the computer screen.

As described above, in some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses120 is in the range from +0.1 to +0.25 diopters, or from +0.125 to +0.25diopters. However, some wearers may be interested in additional opticalpower. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the optical power of thelenses 120 is in a range from +0.25 to +0.375 diopters. In someembodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 is in range from +0.375to +0.5 diopters.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 isfrom zero to +0.5 diopters, from +0.1 to +0.5 diopters, or from +0.125to +0.5 diopters. In some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses120 ranges from +0.1 to +0.4 diopters or from +0.125 to +0.4 diopters.In some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 ranges from+0.1 diopters to +0.3 diopters or from +0.125 to +0.3 diopters. In someembodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 is about +0.25diopters.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the optical power of the lenses120 is in the range from +0.3 to +0.6 diopters or from +0.4 to +0.6diopters. In some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 isabout +0.5 diopters. Some embodiments comprises kits that includeeyeglasses with optical power in the range from +0.1 to +0.25 diopters,or from +0.125 to +0.25 diopters, and eyeglasses with optical power inthe range from +0.3 to +0.6 diopters or from +0.4 to +0.6 diopters. Forexample, in some embodiments, a kit comprises eyeglasses with opticalpower of about +0.2 diopters and eyeglasses with optical power of about+0.5 diopters. The particular optical power chosen for the lenses 120 inan embodiment may depend upon the physical set-up of the user'sworkspace, such as the distance between a user and his computer screen,as well as the user's viewing preferences, and, in some embodiments, theuser's eyesight. In some embodiments, the eyewear 110 is off-the-shelf,non-prescription eyewear, such that the optical power in each of thelenses 120 is substantially identical.

Various lens shapes can be used to achieve the desired optical power,according to various embodiments. For example, the lenses 120 can have aconvex, plano-convex, or convex-concave shape. Other shapes can also beused to achieve lenses 120 with optical power in the range from +0.1 toless than +0.5 diopters, and are known to those skilled in the art. Thelenses 120 can be spherical or aspheric. While in the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1-3 the lenses 120 are non-progressive lenses,progressive lenses can also be used.

In addition to being designed with an amount of focusing power, thelenses 120 can also be designed to display an amount of base-inprismatic power. The resting point of vergence of normal, healthy eyesis typically more distant than the location of a computer screen orother relatively near object upon which a user fixates for long periodsof time. Thus, viewing such an object places convergence demand upon themuscles of the eyes and can result in strain and other symptoms of CVS.The resting point of vergence can be drawn in closer by designing thelenses to exhibit an amount of base-in prismatic power, according tomethods known in the art. The base-in prismatic power of the lenses 120can be set such that the user's resting point of vergence is located atapproximately the distance of, for example, the user's computer screenwhile the user is working at his computer. In some embodiments, each ofthe lenses 120 of the computer eyewear 110 are designed with base-inprismatic power of about 0.25-1.5 prism diopters. In other embodiments,however, the lenses 120 have approximately zero prismatic power.

A wide variety of materials can be used to form the lenses 120. The lensmaterial may be selected based upon properties of the material, such asrefractive index, strength, Abbe number, density, and hardness. Forexample, the lenses 120 can be formed of polycarbonate, glass, nylon,various polymers (e.g., CR-39), or plastic. In some embodiments,high-refractive index materials are used to allow for the design ofthinner, lighter lenses 120 that are more comfortable to wear toextended periods of time than eyewear 110 with lenses 120 made of alower-index material. For example, in some embodiments, the refractiveindex of the lens material lies approximately in the range between 1.498and 1.9, although the refractive index can be higher or lower.

The computer eyewear 110 can be effectively used by individuals withsubstantially normal (e.g., approximately 20/20) uncorrected vision. Theeyewear can also be effectively used by individuals with normalcorrected, or spectacle, vision. For example, users who wear contactlenses can effectively use the computer eyewear 110, in addition totheir contact lenses, while working at a computer to mitigate thesymptoms of CVS. Some embodiments of the computer eyewear 110 are alsodesigned to be worn by those individuals who wear prescriptioneyeglasses to correct their vision. For example, the computer eyewear110 can be designed to be worn over or attach to (e.g., clip-on eyewear)the user's prescription eyewear. In addition, in some embodiments, thecomputer eyewear 110 can be effectively used by individuals withoutnormal vision, such as for example, presbyopes. Various embodiments,however, are non-prescription, off-the-shelf products.

While certain symptoms of CVS are caused by straining of the eye musclesas a result of accommodation and convergence demand while viewing arelatively near object such as a computer screen for extended periods oftime, other symptoms are caused by the microclimate in the vicinity ofthe user's eyes. If the microclimate in the vicinity of the user's eyesbecomes too dry, dry eye syndrome can result, causing soreness andirritation of the eyes. This problem is particularly acute for computerusers because studies have shown that for most people blink rate tendsto decreases while viewing a computer screen. This problem isexacerbated in office environments by the relatively dry air from airconditioners as well as air currents from office HVAC systems that alsotend to dry out the eyes of a user. Extraneous light that enters theeyes from the peripheral regions of a user's vision can also worsen thesymptoms of CVS. For example, such extraneous light can result in glareand loss of contrast, which makes it more difficult for the user to viewa computer screen, for example.

In some embodiments, the computer eyewear 110 has a wrap-around designto mitigate the symptoms of CVS related to the microclimate in thevicinity of a user's eyes as well as to curtail the amount of extraneouslight that reaches the eyes. Wrap-around designs are not used inconventional computer eyewear. These designs are typically used toprovide protection against side glare and dust or other projectileswhile participating in outdoor recreational activities—protection thatis generally unnecessary in an office environment. However, awrap-around design can also help mitigate symptoms of CVS, especiallywhen used in conjunction with other features described herein. Unlikeconventional computer eyewear, embodiments of the computer eyewear 110with a wrap-around design have a relatively high base curvature suchthat the computer eyewear has wrap and conforms closely to the user'sface both in the frontal and peripheral regions of the user's vision.The wrap-around design improves the microclimate in the vicinity of theuser's eyes by reducing air currents around the eyes and by allowing forthe formation of a pocket of air on the ocular side of the lenses 120with increased humidity relative to the ambient air on the base curveside of the lenses. In some embodiments, the wrap-around design alsoreduces the amount of extraneous light that enters a user's eyes fromthe peripheral field of vision.

One embodiment of computer eyewear 120 with a wrap-around design isillustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Unlike conventional computer eyewear,typically having a base curvature less than base 4, the base curvatureof the frame 115 and lenses 120 maintains a relatively close fit to theuser's face even at the peripheral regions of the user's field of view.In addition to closely following the curvature of a user's head, theframe 115 and lenses 120 of the eyewear 110 can be designed tocomplementarily follow the contours of a typical user's facial featuresto maintain a small separation distance between the frame 115 and theuser's face. For example, the frame 115 and lenses 120 can be designedto maintain no more than a small degree of separation with the user'sbrow and cheekbones.

In some embodiments, the separation between the brow and an upperaspect, such as the upper edge, of the frame 115 (e.g., in thez-direction) is 12 mm or less. For example, in some embodiments, theseparation between the brow and an upper aspect of the frame 115 isapproximately 2-5 mm. In some embodiments, the separation between thebrow and an upper aspect of the frame 115 is less than approximately 2mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the cheekbone and a loweraspect, such as the lower edge, of the frame 115 (e.g., in thez-direction) is less than 5 mm. For example, in some embodiments, theseparation between the cheekbone and a lower aspect of the frame isapproximately 1-3 mm. In some embodiments, the separation between thecheekbone and a lower aspect of the frame is less than approximately 1mm. In some embodiments, the separation between the temple region andthe frame 115 (e.g., in the z-direction) is 35 mm or less. For example,in some embodiments, the separation between the temple region and theframe 115 is approximately 5-10 mm. In some embodiments, the separationbetween the temple region and the frame 115 is less than approximately 5mm. In some circumstances, a standard anatomical human head form canserve as a useful indicator of dimensions of a typical user's head andfacial features.

Whereas in the case of conventional computer eyewear the peripheralregion of a user's field of view is left exposed, the computer eyewear110 of FIGS. 1-3 protects the user's eyes against air currents andextraneous light that could cause symptoms of CVS. In some embodiments,at least a portion of the computer eyewear 110 (e.g., the frame and/orthe lenses) has a base curvature of base 5 or higher. In otherembodiments, at least a portion of the computer eyewear 110 (e.g., theframe and/or the lenses) has a base curvature of base 6 or higher. Inother embodiments, at least a portion of the computer eyewear 110 (e.g.,the frame and/or the lenses) has a base curvature of base 8 or higher.In other embodiments, at least a portion of the computer eyewear 110(e.g., the frame and/or the lenses) has a base curvature of base 10 orhigher. As a result, the frame 115 and lenses 120 exhibit wrap. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the computer eyewear 110 is designed withan amount of pantoscopic tilt, or rake.

With reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments the lenses 120 extend fromtheir medial edge in the ±y-direction by a distance d1, and from thefront surface in the z-direction by a distance d2. In some embodiments,d1 is approximately 45-70 mm and d2 is approximately 20-40 mm. In someembodiments, the ratio of d1 to d2 is approximately 1.5-3.5.

The wrap-around computer eyewear 110 improves the microclimate in thevicinity of the user's eyes by blocking a portion of the air flow aroundthe eyes that exists when a user wears a conventional pair of computereyewear. Since air flow to the eyes is decreased, the amount of watervapor from the natural moisture of the eyes that is carried away by theair flow is also decreased. As a result, the air in a pocket formedaround the eyes by the wrap-around computer eyewear 110 has a higherlevel of humidity than the ambient air. The increased humidity in apocket of air trapped between the wrap-around computer eyewear 110 andthe user's face helps to reduce dryness of the eyes and other associatedsymptoms of CVS. While in some embodiments, all or portions of the frame115 of the computer eyewear 110 may be designed to be in physicalcontact with a user's face to form a sealed chamber around the eyes, inother embodiments, the microclimate around the user's eyes can beenhanced appreciably if all or portions of the frame 115 are designed toclosely conform to facial features, as described herein, though withoutforming a sealed chamber. Computer eyewear 110 that is not designed toform a sealed chamber around the eyes may be more comfortable to someusers than computer eyewear 110 with a sealed chamber around the eyes.

In some embodiments, the design of the computer eyewear 110 blockssufficient air flow around the eyes to allow for the percent relativehumidity of the air on the ocular curve-side of the eyewear 110 to reacha level that is ten percentage points higher than the percent relativehumidity of the ambient air. In some embodiments, the percent relativehumidity of the air on the ocular curve-side of the computer eyewear 110is at least about 40% or higher, while in some embodiments it lies inthe range between about 40% and 60%.

FIG. 12 is a plot that illustrates measured humidity on the ocular sideof the lenses of an embodiment of the computer eyewear (e.g., 110) inuse versus the humidity on the exterior surface of the lenses. HoneywellHIH series DC humidity sensors were used to measure the humidity of airinside the user's ocular pocket (i.e., the space between a lens and theeye) as compared to the humidity outside the ocular pocket. One humiditysensor was placed on the ocular side of a lens of the computer eyewear(e.g., 110) while another was placed on the exterior surface of thelens. The plot 1200 in FIG. 12 shows the electrical voltage of the twohumidity sensors plotted as a function of time. The bottom curve 1210illustrates the output of the sensor that was positioned on the exteriorof the lens, while the top curve 1220 illustrates the output of thesensor that was positioned on the ocular side of the lens. Asillustrated, the humidity inside the ocular pocket was measurablygreater than the humidity of the ambient air. When converting theoutputs of the two sensors into relative humidity measurements andconsidering data from a wide variety of users, it has been determinedthat the computer eyewear described herein increased humidity levelsinside the ocular pocket by an average of about 10%, and by as much asabout 25%.

While the wrap-around configuration illustrated in the computer eyewear110 of FIGS. 1-3 advantageously helps to regulate the microclimatearound a user's eyes as well as blocking some extraneous light, undersome circumstances it can also have a deleterious impact on the opticalperformance of the lenses 120. For example, if the lenses 120 are cantedwith respect to a user's forward line of sight to provide wrap while thecomputer eyewear 110 is in the as-worn position, a degree of base-outprismatic power may be introduced along with other optical distortions.In addition, pantoscopic tilt can induce cylindrical optical power inthe lenses 120, along with other optical distortions. These opticaldistortions can, however, be corrected to a certain extent byimplementing decentered lenses in the computer eyewear 110.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of eyewear 410 with decentered lenses 420 for use ina wrap-around and/or raked design, according to one embodiment. Frontand rear surfaces of one of the decentered lenses 420 follow a first arc421 and a second arc 422, respectively. The first arc 421 is a portionof a circle with radius R1 and a center point C1. The first arc 421defines a convex surface. The second arc 422 defines a concave surfaceand is a portion of a circle with radius R2 that, in some embodiments,is greater than R1. The circle that defines the second arc 422 has acenter point C2 that is offset from C1. In some embodiments, the centerpoint C2 of the second arc 422 is set away from the lenses 420 and tothe medial side of C1. Thus, in some embodiments, the lenses 420 areconvex-concave lenses with an amount of positive optical power. In someembodiments, the lenses 420 have at least +0.1 diopters of positiveoptical power and less than +0.5 diopters of positive optical power.

In FIG. 4, an optical center line 470 is drawn between the center pointsC1 and C2. The optical center line 470 intersects the thickest portion(i.e., the optical center) of the lens 420. A geometric center of thelens 420 can be defined in ways known by those of skill in the art(e.g., at the intersection of an A line, that defines the horizontalwidth of the lens, with a B line, that defines the vertical height ofthe lens). In addition, a forward line of sight 460 is drawn to indicatethe direction of a user's line of sight while looking straight forward.As shown in FIG. 4, the optical center line 470 and the forward line ofsight 460 are separated by an angle θ. Thus, in one embodiment, theoptical center line 470 and the forward line of sight 460 are notparallel. In other embodiments, however, the optical center line 470 isparallel with the forward line of sight 460, while in still otherembodiments, the angle θ is negative as compared to how it isillustrated in FIG. 4.

The decentered lenses 420 can be configured to correct the base-outprismatic power that would otherwise be introduced in a non-decenteredlens due to the canted orientation of the lenses 420 in a wrap-arounddesign of computer eyewear. Reduction or correction of the base-outprismatic power can be accomplished by adding an amount of base-inprismatic power. The amount of prismatic power can be controlled byvarying the location of the center point C2 with respect to C1. Thisvariation can consequently vary the angle θ between the optical centerline 470 and the forward line of sight 460, as well as the distancebetween the center points C1 and C2.

One way of adding base-in prismatic power is to decenter the opticalcenter of the lens 420 medially with respect to the geometric center.For example, the lenses can be designed such that the distance betweenthe optical centers of the left and right lenses 420 is less than agiven pupillary distance such that the optical centers of the lenses 420are offset medially from the y positions of the user's pupils. Innon-prescription embodiments, the distance between optical centers ofthe left and right lenses 420 can be chosen with respect to a pupillarydistance that is representative of a wide range of users. For example,the population median pupillary distance of approximately 62 mm can bechosen, though the lenses 420 can also be designed for other pupillarydistances. In other embodiments, the optical center of the lens 420 canbe decentered laterally with respect to the geometric center.

In some embodiments, the decentered lenses 420 are configured to cancelout the base-out prismatic power otherwise introduced by the wrap-arounddesign so that the lenses 420 of the computer eyewear have substantiallyno prismatic power. In other embodiments, the decentered lenses 420 areconfigured to cancel out the base-out prismatic power as well as addingan amount of base-in prismatic power to reduce the convergence demandupon the eye muscles while viewing, for example, a relatively nearcomputer screen. The amount of prism induced by the decentration can becalculated with Prentice's Rule. Besides being decentered in the ±ydirection, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the optical centers of the lenses420 can also be decentered in the ±x direction to help correct opticaldistortions induced by pantoscopic tilt. For example, the opticalcenters of the lenses 420 can be decentered upward or downward withrespect to the geometric centers of the lenses 420 based on thepantoscopic tilt.

FIG. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a lens 520 of FIG. 4.Several measurements of the lens 520 are indicated on FIG. 5, includingR1, R2, the lateral end thickness 501, the medial end thickness 502, andthe distance between the midpoint 503 of the lens 520 and the thickestpoint 504 of the lens 520. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the medial endthickness 502 and the lateral end thickness 501 are each less than thethickness of the lens 520 at the thickest point 504. Moreover, themedial end thickness 502 is greater than the lateral end thickness 501.The thickest point 504 of the lens 520 is closer to the medial edge thanto the lateral edge of the lens 520. As disclosed herein, the lens 520has a degree of positive optical power in some embodiments. Moreover,while FIG. 5 illustrates a converging convex-concave lens 420, in otherembodiments different types of converging lenses can be used. In oneembodiment, the lens 520 is a base 8 decentered lens with +0.2 dioptersof optical power. In another embodiment, the lens 520 is a base 6decentered lens with +0.2 diopters of optical power.

In addition to the wrap-around design for computer eyewear disclosedherein, other features can also be used to enhance the microclimatearound a user's eyes. For example, some embodiments include removableside-shields that can reduce air flow to the eyes. FIG. 6 is aperspective view of eyewear 610 that includes removable side-shields 635for reducing symptoms of CVS. The computer eyewear 610 has a unitarylens with positive optical power, a frame 615, ear stems 625, and a nosepiece 430, as described herein. The computer eyewear 610 also includesremovable side-shields 635. The side-shields 635 are configured toremovably connect to and from the computer eyewear 610, thus permittingthe user to decide under what circumstances to use the side-shields. Theremovable side-shields 635 are configured, in shape and size, tosubstantially reduce air flow to the eyes from the lateral regions ofthe computer eyewear 610. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the removable side-shields 635 help to close the space betweenthe ear stems 625 and the side portion of a user's face, including thecheekbone and temple area.

In one embodiment, the dimensions of the removable side-shields 635 areapproximately 20-80 mm in the z dimension and approximately 15-50 mm inthe x dimension at the front of the computer eyewear, tapering down toapproximately 5 mm at the rear (e.g., nearer the user's ear). While,FIG. 6 illustrates computer eyewear 610 with a wrap-around design, theremovable side-shields 635 can also be used with computer eyewearwithout a wrap-around design.

The removable side-shields 635 have tabs 640 for removably fastening theside shields 635 to the frame 615 and ear stems 625 of the computereyewear 610. The tabs 640 are configured to complementarily mate withapertures 645 located in the frame 615 and ear stems 645 where they aresecurely held in place. In some embodiments, the removable side-shields635 attach to the frame 615 and/or ear stems 625 in a snap-on fashion.While FIG. 6 illustrates connection points between the tabs 635 andapertures 645 at the frame 615 and ear stems 625, the connection pointscould be limited to only the frame 615 or only the ear stems 625. Inaddition, the removable side-shields could connect to the lens 620, orto some other portion of the computer eyewear 620. While a suitabletab/aperture fastener for removably attaching the side shields 635 tothe computer eyewear 610 is illustrated in FIG. 6, those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that many different types of fastenerscould be used equally well. For example, friction fit fasteners, clawfasteners, sliding groove fasteners, or magnetic fasteners can all beused to removably attach the side shields 635 to the computer eyewear610 in various embodiments.

The removable side-shields 635 can be made of a variety of materials.For example, metals and plastics are suitable materials. In oneembodiment, the removable side-shields 635 are made of the same materialas the frame 615 and ear stems 625 of the computer eyewear 610. Inaddition, the removable side-shields 635 can be transmissive to light orsubstantially opaque. In embodiments where the removable side-shields635 are substantially opaque, they can perform the additional role ofreducing the amount of extraneous light that is incident upon the eyesfrom the user's peripheral field of vision, along with symptoms of CVSrelated to such extraneous light.

The lenses 120 of certain embodiments of the computer eyewear 110include one or more optical treatments to alter the optical performanceof the lenses 120. For example, the lenses 120 may include a partialmirror coating that comprises one or more metal and/or dielectric layersformed on the lenses 120 (e.g., an aluminum coating, a λ/4 stack, etc.).The partial mirror coating can be formed by vacuum deposition, physicalvapor deposition, lamination of a sheet of reflective material on a lenssurface, for example, with an adhesive, or any other thin film coatingtechnology. In some embodiments, the partial mirror coating is at least15% reflective across all, or a portion of, the visible spectrum oflight from about 340 nm to about 780 nm. In some embodiments, thereflectivity of the partial mirror coating is greater than 95%reflective for all or a portion of the visible spectrum.

The lenses 120 can also include a tint. The tint may comprise a pigment,dye, optically absorptive layer, a photoreactive dye, or a tintingmaterial laminated onto a lens surface, for example. In addition, insome embodiments, the lenses 120 include an anti-reflective (AR)coating. The AR coating can comprise one or more thin films formed onthe surface of a lens through vacuum deposition, physical vapordeposition, lamination of an AR layer on a lens surface, or some othermethod.

In some embodiments, the optical treatments are uniform across thesurface of the lenses 120, while in other embodiments they arenon-uniform. Some embodiments include a first optical treatment that isuniform, and a second optical treatment that is non-uniform. Moreover,in some embodiments an optical treatment covers greater than 90% of asurface of the lenses 120, while in other embodiments the opticaltreatment covers 50%-90% of a lens surface, 10%-40% of a lens surface,or less than 10% of a lens surface.

Optical coatings and treatments such as the types described herein canbe used to spectrally filter light that passes through the lenses of thecomputer eyewear. This type of spectral filtering can be done to modifythe spectrum of light that is incident upon the eyes in ways that helpto reduce symptoms of CVS. For example, in some embodiments, opticalcoatings as well as other types of treatments are applied to the lensesto attenuate peaks in the spectra of typical fluorescent andincandescent lighting found in homes and offices. This can be done, forexample, with a partially transmissive mirror coating, tinting, acombination of the same, or the like.

FIG. 7A is a plot 700 of the visible spectral emission of a typicalfluorescent lamp. The curve 710 indicates power of the spectral emissionof the fluorescent lamp as a function of wavelength. The curve 710includes peaks 720, such as those seen at approximately 360 nm, 400 nm,440 nm, 550 nm, and 575 nm. A plot of the spectral emission of a typicalincandescent lamp, while not shown, has similar spectral peaks. Thespectral peaks in these typical sources of lighting can result in poorcontrast when viewing, for example, a computer screen. This in turn cancause the eyes to strain. People generally tend to prefer the viewingconditions presented by a more balanced spectrum as opposed to theviewing conditions under light with defined spectral peaks.

The generic fluorescent lighting spectrum illustrated in FIG. 7A is onlyan example. There are different types of fluorescent lights, thespectrum of each of which may have different properties in terms of thenumber of spectral peaks, their locations, and/or their relative height.One common characteristic of many fluorescent lights, however, is thatthey include mercury vapor. The mercury vapor may result in the presenceof distinctive spectral peaks in the spectrum of such fluorescent lightsthat correspond to resonant frequencies of the mercury atoms. Forexample, two of these peaks are located at about 440 nm and at about 550nm. Thus, different varieties of fluorescent lights may include spectralpeaks at or near these wavelengths.

Some embodiments of the computer eyewear 110 include optical treatments(e.g., tints, mirror coatings, etc.) applied to the lenses 120 toattenuate or otherwise desirably affect spectral peaks (e.g., 720) invarious types of artificial lighting. For example, various embodimentsinclude optical treatments for attenuating spectral peaks in fluorescentlighting as seen in FIG. 7A. Other embodiments can be customized forother types of lighting or for fluorescent lighting with differentspectral peaks than those illustrated in FIG. 7A. Optical treatmentswith the desired spectral characteristics for attenuating spectral peaksin various types of lighting can be designed using techniques known inthe art.

Such optical treatments may have spectral filtering properties withtransmission curves that exhibit one or more separately identifiable,engineered features for selectively affecting or filtering spectralpeaks in, for example, fluorescent lighting. The transmission curvefeatures may include, but are not limited to, stop bands, ramps,plateaus, fall-offs, dips, shoulders, etc., or combinations of the same.The transmission curve features may also be more complicated shapes.Each engineered transmission curve feature can selectively affect onepeak in the spectrum of, for example, fluorescent lighting, or eachfeature can selectively affect multiple peaks that, for example, areclustered together, overlap, or are otherwise relatively tightlygrouped. In some embodiments, the transmission curve of the opticaltreatment desirably selectively affects (e.g., attenuates) a spectralpeak at a resonant frequency of mercury (e.g., about 440 nm or 550 nm).

In some embodiments, the width of the engineered features of thetransmission curve can be determined based on the width of thecorresponding spectral peak which the feature is designed to selectivelyaffect. In some embodiments, the width of the engineered featuresubstantially matches the width of the peak which it is designed toaffect. In other embodiments, the width of the engineered feature can beless than that of the corresponding spectral peak so as to affect only aportion of the peak, or it can be greater than the width of thecorresponding spectral peak so as to, for example, affect multiplespectral peaks. In some embodiments, the width of the engineered featureis no more than about 10% greater than the width of the correspondingspectral peak or group of peaks. In some embodiments, the width of theengineered feature is no more than about 20% greater than the width ofthe peak(s), 30% greater than the width of the peak(s), 50% greater thanthe width of the peak(s), 80% greater than the width of the peak(s), or100% greater than the width of the peak(s). In some embodiments, thewidth of the engineered feature is more than 100% greater than the widthof the peak(s). In terms of actual dimensions, in some embodiments, thewidth of the engineered feature is greater than 50 nm wide, 40-50 nmwide, 30-40 nm wide, 20-30 nm wide, 10-20 nm wide, or less than 10 nmwide. In some embodiments, the width of the engineered feature is lessthan 50 nm wide, less than 40 nm wide, less than 30 nm wide, less than20 nm wide, or less than 15 nm wide.

A single transmission curve may include more than one feature fordesirably affecting spectral peaks of, for example, fluorescentlighting. For example, the transmission curve for the lenses of a pairof eyewear may have at least two engineered features, or at least threeengineered features, for desirably affecting spectral peaks offluorescent lighting. Each of these features may have the same width andshape or different widths and different shapes. The transmission curvefeatures may fully or partially attenuate the transmission of lightthrough the optical treatment for one or more specific spectral peaks ofa given type of lighting. For example, in some embodiments, a particularfeature engineered to beneficially affect the spectrum of incidentlighting may transmit about 5% or less of incident light at thewavelength or wavelengths where the feature is located. In otherembodiments, the engineered feature may transmit, for example, 5-10% ofincident light, 10-30% of incident light, 30-50% of incident light,50-70% of incident light, 70-90% of incident light, or 90-95% ofincident light.

For example, in one embodiment, an optical treatment for attenuating thepeaks 720 in the lighting spectrum 710 shown in FIG. 7A has stop bandsat approximately 360 nm, 400 nm, 440 nm, 550 nm, and/or 575 nm. Thepositions of the stop bands are selected to correspond to the positionsof peaks in output spectrum 710 of the fluorescent lighting. The widthof the stop bands (e.g., in a full width at half maximum sense) can bein the range of about 25 nm to about 150 nm wide in some embodiments,although the widths may be larger or smaller. In some embodiments, thewidth of the stop band may substantially equal the spectral width of apeak 720 in the emission spectrum of the lighting.

In some embodiments, the stop bands reduce the transmission of lightthrough the lenses 120 by at least about 50%. Furthermore, in someembodiments, the attenuation of transmitted light provided by each stopband is designed to be proportionate, or otherwise related, to theheight of the particular spectral peak which it is designed toattenuate. For example, the stop band at 440 nm can provide greaterattenuation than the stop band at 360 nm. The precise characteristics ofa spectral filter for attenuating peaks in the output spectrum 710 canvary widely, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Inthis way, the optical treatment advantageously balances the spectrum oflight that reaches a user's eyes. This balanced spectrum results in morenatural viewing conditions that can lessen eye strain. In a similarmanner, optical treatments can be designed to balance the spectrum ofincandescent lighting as well as other types of lighting.

FIG. 7B is a plot 750 that illustrates an example transmission curve 760of an optical treatment. The percent transmittance of light through theoptical treatment is plotted as a function of wavelength. Thetransmission curve 760 includes at least two features for desirablyaffecting the spectral peaks of fluorescent lighting. For example, thetransmission curve 760 includes an engineered plateau 770 at about 440nm. The plateau 770 corresponds to a resonant frequency of mercury influorescent lighting that is likewise located at about 440 nm. Theplateau 770 extends from about 430 nm to about 450 nm for a width ofabout 20 nm, though the width of this or another engineered transmissioncurve feature could be greater or smaller, for example, to correspondwith the width of a particular spectral peak. The plateau 770 transmitsslightly more than 30% of light at this range of wavelengths, though inother embodiments it could be engineered to transmit a larger or smallerpercentage of light.

The transmission curve 760 also includes a relatively smooth engineeredramp 780 that extends from about 475 nm through 550 nm. This ramp 780affects yet another resonant frequency of mercury in fluorescentlighting that is located at about 550 nm. The ramp 780 may also affectat least one other spectral peak (e.g., a peak located at about 480 nmin some types of fluorescent lighting). The ramp 780 reduces the amountof light that is transmitted over these wavelengths by 5-20%, though itcould be engineered to affect light over this wavelength range to agreater or lesser extent. In addition, the width of the ramp 780 couldbe reduced to more closely discriminate against the spectral peak at 550nm or some other spectral peak.

The presence of the engineered features (e.g., the plateau 770 and theramp 780) of the transmission curve 760 reduce the amount of light atcertain peak wavelengths of fluorescent lighting, thus tending tosmooth, or otherwise beneficially impact, the spectrum of fluorescentlighting that is ultimately incident upon the user's eyes. While thetransmission curve 760 illustrated in FIG. 7B includes features foraffecting spectral peaks at about 440 nm and 550 nm, other embodimentsmay include additional or different separately identifiable, engineeredfeatures located at different wavelengths.

The transmission curve 760 also includes a relatively broad stop bandportion 790 that attenuates ultraviolet and blue wavelengths, resultingin a generally yellow appearance. In some embodiments, it is desirableto more significantly attenuate blue light than green or red, thusrendering a warmer viewable spectrum to the user. A warm energy spectrumwith attenuated blues may be physiologically preferred when viewing acomputer display, reading, or performing some other concentrated taskbecause such tasks are performed with the central vision at the fovea.The fovea includes high concentrations of red and green cones, whereasblue cones are found mostly outside of the fovea. Thus, warmer energyspectrums more efficiently stimulate cones located at the fovea duringtasks that are performed with the central vision. This broad stop bandportion 790 does not selectively attenuate a particular spectral peak orgroup of spectral peaks in, for example, fluorescent lighting; instead,it is meant to filter a relatively large portion of, for example, thevisible spectrum. In FIG. 7B, the broad stop band portion attenuateswavelengths below about 400 nm and is at least about 120 nm wide. Inother embodiments, it may be at least 150 nm wide or at least 200 nmwide. The broad stop band portion 790 is provided in addition to theabove-described features for selectively affecting (e.g., attenuating) aspecific peak, or group of peaks, in the spectrum of ambient lighting(e.g., fluorescent lighting).

Balancing the spectrum of ambient light (e.g., fluorescent officelighting) can also have other benefits. For example, in some cases thelight emitted from a backlit computer display does not share one or moreof the spectral peaks of the ambient lighting that the optical treatmentis designed to attenuate. In these cases, the optical treatmentpreferentially attenuates ambient lighting over light emitted from thecomputer display. In some circumstances, light that is incident upon theeyes from sources (e.g., overhead office lighting) other than a backlitcomputer display being viewed by the user can be considered as a sourceof optical “noise” that makes it more difficult for the user to view thecomputer display without straining. By preferentially attenuating lightfrom these sources of noise, the ratio of light from the computerdisplay to ambient lighting noise is increased, resulting in morecomfortable viewing of the computer display and reduced symptoms of CVS.

In some embodiments, the optical treatment for balancing the outputspectrum of fluorescent lighting, or any other type of lighting, is apartially transmissive mirror coating. While a tint can also be used forthis purpose, the spectral characteristics of a partially transmissivemirror coating can generally be customized to a greater extent. Forexample, the spectral locations of various stop bands in a partiallytransmissive mirror coating can be customized to a greater extent thanin the case of tinting. In addition, these stop bands can be designed toattenuate incident light by a greater amount, making the stop bandsdeeper than is generally possible with tinting. Nevertheless, in otherembodiments, the optical treatment is a tint applied to the lenses ofthe computer eyewear 110 that attenuates transmitted light primarily byintroducing absorptive loss. In still other embodiments, the opticaltreatment comprises both a partially transmissive mirror coating as wellas an optically absorptive tint. The use of both a mirror coating andtinting can be advantageous in that it allows for an extra degree offreedom to customize the spectral response of the optical treatment.

In some embodiments, the computer eyewear includes optical treatments toprovide a relaxing, calming, and soothing light environment for the eye.Table 1 provides example transmission data engineered for such anoptical treatment. These values are based on an average of twentysamples.

TABLE 1 Example transmission data engineered for an optical treatment.nm T % nm T % nm T % nm T % nm T % 780 95.63 770 95.78 760 96.28 75096.45 740 96.82 730 97.33 720 97.65 710 97.98 700 98.21 690 98.40 68098.65 670 98.72 660 98.85 650 99.00 640 99.10 630 99.10 620 99.02 61098.79 600 98.50 590 97.98 580 97.36 570 96.48 560 95.38 550 94.02 54091.63 530 88.65 520 85.42 510 82.51 500 79.72 490 76.50 480 72.93 47069.26 460 60.28 450 42.92 440 34.76 430 33.53 420 23.84 410 8.96 4002.07 390 1.85 380 2.32 370 2.18 360 1.85 350 1.31 340 1.08 330 1.47 3201.82 310 0.00 300 0.00 290 0.21 280 1.83

FIG. 7C is a plot 750 c illustrating the example data from Table 1. Thepercent transmittance of light through the optical treatment is plottedas a function of wavelength. The plot 750 c is an example transmissioncurve of an optical treatment for performing spectral filtering of lightincident upon a lens. The transmission curve 760 c includes anengineered stop band portion 790 c that attenuates ultraviolet and bluewavelengths, resulting in a generally yellow appearance. Certainembodiments provide computer eyewear with a yellow tint that providesspectral filtering characterized by such a transmission curve 760 c.When viewed through the lenses, white objects can appear as a yellowhue. However, various embodiments do not distort colors dramatically,e.g., in some embodiments, blue objects may change slightly towards thewarmer spectrum of green through the overlay of the yellow tint. Thus,as mentioned herein, in some embodiments, it is desirable tosignificantly attenuate blue light more than green or red light torender a warmer viewable spectrum to the user. Additionally, highconcentrations of red and green cones are located at the fovea whereashigh concentrations of blue cones are located outside of the fovea. Thewarmer energy spectrum of 760 c in FIG. 7C can efficiently stimulatecones located at the fovea, during concentrated tasks, e.g., reading orviewing a computer display, that are performed with central vision.Without subscribing to any particular scientific theory, it is possiblethat because the fovea with the higher density of nerve endings is usedfor reading, that blue light is less useful for reading a computerscreen and thus can be attenuated without dramatic decrease in thecomputer eye wearer's ability to read the computer screen. However, byreducing the blue light, the pupil in the eye may possibly enlarge tocollect more light, and in particular more red and green light.

As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the transmission curve 760 c can include astop band portion 790 c positioned below about 400 nm. For example, thestop band portion 790 c can be positioned between about 280 nm to about400 nm. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, the stop bandportion 790 c can include a region between about 320 nm to about 400 nmthat reduces the amount of transmitted light by at least about 95% onaverage. FIG. 7D illustrates the transmission curve 760 c of FIG. 7Cwith a few error bars 755 at various locations on the plot 750 c.Persons skilled in the art would understand that there is some range oftransmission percentages that would yield an optical treatment that maybe designed to achieve similar results. The magnitudes of the variouserror bars shown in FIG. 7D are illustrative only and are not intendedto limit the actual ranges of transmission percentages at the variouswavelengths. As examples, in some embodiments, the reduction oftransmitted light can be about 96%, about 96.5%, about 97%, about 97.5%,about 98%, about 98.5%, about 99%, or about 100% at about 320 nm, and/orabout 330 nm, and/or about 340 nm, and/or about 350 nm, and/or about 360nm, and/or about 370 nm, and/or about 380 nm, and/or about 390 nm,and/or about 400 nm, and/or about wavelengths between these wavelengths.

The transmission curve 760 c of FIG. 7C also includes an engineeredplateau region 770 c positioned between about 420 nm to about 450 nm.This plateau region 770 c can extend over a width of at least about 5nm, at least about 7 nm, at least about 10 nm, at least about 15 nm, orat least about 20 nm. For example, the plateau region 770 c can extendfor at least about 10 nm within the wavelengths of about 420 nm to about450 nm. For example, the plateau region 770 c can extend from at leastabout 420 nm to about 430 nm, at least about 425 nm to about 435 nm, atleast about 430 nm to about 440 nm, at least about 435 nm to about 445nm, or at least about 440 nm to about 450 nm. The plateau region 770 ccan transmit at least about 30% of light on average. In someembodiments, the plateau region 770 c can transmit about 30% to about38% of light, about 30.5% to about 37.5% of light, about 31% to about37% of light, about 31.5% to about 36.5% of light, about 32% to about36% of light, about 32.5% to about 35.5% of light, or about 33% to about35% of light.

The transmission curve 760 c of FIG. 7C further includes an engineeredramp region 780 c positioned between about 460 nm to about 560 nm. Theramp region 780 c has higher transmission than the plateau region 770 cand can extend over a width of at least about 80 nm, at least about 70nm, at least about 60 nm, at least about 50 nm, or at least about 40 nm.In some embodiments, the ramp region 780 c extends at least from about470 nm to about 550 nm, at least from about 480 nm to about 540 nm, atleast from about 490 nm to about 530 nm, or at least from about 500 nmto about 520 nm. The ramp region 780 c can include a portion thatreduces the amount of transmitted light on average by about 25% to about35%, by about 25.5% to about 34.5%, by about 26% to about 34%, by about26.5% to about 33.5%, by about 27% to about 33%, by about 27.5% to about32.5%, or by about 28% to about 32%, for example, at about 470 nm,and/or about 480 nm, and/or about wavelengths in between thesewavelengths. In some embodiments, the slope of the ramp region 780 c,for example, between about 480 nm to about 530 nm can be on averageabout 0.27 to about 0.35, or can be about 0.28 to about 0.34. In certainembodiments, in between the plateau region 770 c and the engineered rampregion 780 c is another ramp region, which can have a higher slope thanthe engineered ramp region 780 c. For example, in some embodiments, theramp region with the higher slope can have a slope of about 1.2 to about2.2 between about 450 nm to about 460 nm.

As illustrated in FIG. 7C, a second engineered plateau region 795 c ispositioned between about 570 nm to about 680 nm in the transmissioncurve 760 c. The second plateau region 795 c reduces the amount oftransmitted light by less than or equal to about 3% on average at about640 nm, and/or at about 650 nm, and/or at about 660 nm, and/orwavelengths therebetween. In some embodiments, the second plateau region795 c reduces the amount of transmitted light by less than or equal toabout 2.5% of light, or by less than or equal to about 2% of light, orby less than or equal to about 1% of light, or by less than or equal toabout 0% of light at about 640 nm, and/or at about 650 nm, and/or atabout 660 nm, and/or wavelengths therebetween.

Without subscribing to any particular scientific theory, someembodiments may possibly enhance contrast between various colors. Forexample, it is possible that the yellow tint of some embodiments canenhance some red and green colors in addition to yellow colors. Sincemost computer displays are based on an RGB (red, green, blue) colormodel, it is possible for certain embodiments to enhance these colorsand thus create more contrast. Some embodiments may also possibly reducethe perceived harshness of a bright screen and/or bright fluorescentlights by reducing the brightness of the display. Since many computersoftware applications, e.g., Microscoft® Word or Microsoft® Outlook, areblue-based, the harshness of the computer screen may be reduced byattenuating blue light, which is harsh to the eye. In addition, in someembodiments of computer eyewear with a similar transmission curve asshown in FIG. 7C, the percent transmission is reduced at locations nearthe resonant frequencies of mercury in fluorescent lighting, e.g., nearabout 440 nm and near about 550 nm. Without subscribing to anyparticular scientific theory, it is possible that since a yellow tint ofsome embodiments does not enhance blue colors, a warm environment may beprovided by the enhancement of green and red colors, which are warmerand more soothing to the eye.

In some embodiments, computer eyewear having a similar spectrum 760 c ofFIG. 7C provides a warmer and less grayish-blue environment to the userthan computer eyewear having a transmission curve 760 of FIG. 7B. FIG.7E illustrates the example plots of FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C superimposed onone another. Without subscribing to any particular scientific theory, itis possible that in certain embodiments, a transmission curve similar tothat of 760 c of FIG. 7C provides a warmer and less grayish-bluespectrum because the transmission curve 760 c of FIG. 7C more closelymimics the macular pigment light transmission with the eye. As discussedherein, sharp central vision, e.g., computer viewing, occurs in thefovea. The fovea is the center of the macula, which is covered by themacular pigment. The macular pigment is a yellow pigment that absorbsexcess blue light to protect the eye from the damaging photo-oxidativeeffects of blue light It might be possible that a transmission curve,e.g., transmission curve 760 c, that more closely mimics the macularpigment light transmission with the eye, e.g., transmitting more lightwithin the yellow to red wavelengths, e.g., about 570 nm to about 750nm, provides a closer functionality to the macular pigment, which isprotecting the fovea. Thus, it might be that certain embodiments, byproviding less of a grayish-blue environment, and a brighter andcheerful environment during concentrated tasks like computer viewing,protect the fovea.

In some embodiments, the warmer and less grayish-blue spectrum 760 c canresult from a second plateau region 795 c having a transmission of lessthan or equal to about 3%, less than or equal to about 2.5%, less thanor equal to about 2%, less than or equal to about 1% of light, or lessthan or equal to about 0% of light at about 640 nm, and/or at about 650nm, and/or at about 660 nm, and/or wavelengths therebetween. In someembodiments, the warmer spectrum 760 c can result from a transmissioncurve that includes a portion that reduces the amount of transmittedlight by about 25% to about 35%, by about 25.5% to about 34.5%, by about26% to about 34%, by about 26.5% to about 33.5%, by about 27% to about33%, by about 27.5% to about 32.5%, or by about 28% to about 32% atabout 470 nm, and/or about 480 nm within the ramp region 780 c, and/orwavelengths therebetween. In some embodiments, it may be preferred totransmit a small percentage, e.g., about 1%, about 2%, or about 3%, oflight at about 320 nm, and/or at about 330 nm, and/or about 340 nm,and/or about 350 nm, and/or about 360 nm, and/or about 370 nm, and/or380 nm, and/or 390 nm, and/or about 400 nm, and/or wavelengthstherebetween.

Persons skilled in the art may recognize ways to manipulate thetransmission curve 760 c to produce a transmission curve with similarresults, e.g., more comfort, warmer, and less grayish-blue environment.For example, two, three, or four wavelengths other than those discussedherein can be used to characterize the transmission spectrum. Inaddition, transmission values other than those shown on the transmissioncurve 760 c in FIG. 7C and/or discussed herein can be used. For examplethe transmission values, e.g., those on the transmission curve 760 c inFIG. 7C, can vary by about +/−1%, about +/−1.5%, about +/−2%, about+/−2.5%, about +/−3%, about +/−3.5%, +/−4%, about +/−4.5%, about +/−5%,about +/−5.5%, about +/−6%, about +/−6.5%, +/−7%, about +/−7.5%, about+/−8%, about +/−8.5%, about +/−9%, about +/−9.5%, or about +/−10%. Inaddition, it is possible to scale the various percent transmissions by asubstantially similar factor at certain wavelengths such that certainratios remain substantially the same. For example, in some embodiments,the ratio of the percent transmission at about 470 nm to the percenttransmission at about 440 nm can be about 1.8 to about 2.2. In someembodiments, the ratio of the percent transmission at about 470 nm tothe percent transmission at about 440 nm can be about 1.9 to about 2.1.As another example, in some embodiments, the ratio of the percenttransmission at about 650 nm to the percent transmission at about 470 nmcan be about 1.3 to about 1.5. In some embodiments, the ratio of thepercent transmission at about 650 nm to the percent transmission atabout 470 nm can be about 1.35 to about 1.45. In yet another example, insome embodiments, the ratio of the percent transmission at about 650 nmto the percent transmission at about 440 nm can be about 2.7 to about2.9. Additionally, it is possible to characterize the transmissionspectrum with other ratios at these and other wavelengths.

Various methods can be used to fabricate lenses (or lens portions)characterized by a target transmission curve, e.g., 760 c in FIG. 7C. Anexample fabrication process can include incorporating a colorant, e.g.,a dye in liquid, powder, or pellet form, into the materials for thelenses or into the lenses themselves. For example, the lens polymer(Grilamid XE-3805) may be dried in a drying machine (under 80°temperature for 4-6 hours), and heated and mixed with a dye combinationin a blender until the mixture is homogeneous. The mixture may then beplaced in an injection machine and injected into a lens mold to providelens blanks.

Any dye combination may be used that has the desired spectral profile.In some embodiments, a dye combination may comprise a yellow dye, afirst orange dye, a second orange dye, and Diffusant EBFF. A dyecombination may be any combination of dyes that is blended or mixed witha lens material to form a lens comprising the dyes of the dyecombination. In some embodiments, some or all of the dyes may bepremixed before combining with the lens material. A lens material may beany material suitable as a lens for eyewear such as glasses orsunglasses. For example, transparent polymers, inorganic glasses, andthe like may be suitable lens material.

The yellow dye may be any compound having a suitable yellow color, suchas Yellow CY03 (Union Chemical, Taiwan), and may be present in an amountin the range of about 15% to about 26%, about 18% to about 22%, or about20%, by weight based upon the total weight of the dye combination. Thefirst orange dye may be any compound having a suitable orange color,such as Orange 8150 (Union Chemical, Taiwan), and may be present in anamount in the range of about 4% to about 11%, about 6% to about 8%, orabout 7%, by weight based upon the total weight of the dye combination.The second orange dye may be any compound having a suitable orangecolor, such as Orange Type

- (Union Chemical, Taiwan), and may be present in an amount in the rangeof about 0.7% to about 3.4%, about 0.1% to about 0.2%, or about 0.18%,by weight based upon the total weight of the dye combination.

Diffusant EBFF (Union Chemical, Taiwan) may be present in an amount inthe range of about 60% to about 80%, about 69% to about 75%, or about71%, by weight based upon the total weight of the dye combination. Insome embodiments, the dye combination may comprise about 20% YellowCY03, about 7% Orange 8150, about 2% Orange type

-, and about 71% Diffusant EBFF, by weight, based upon the total weightof the dye combination. In some embodiments, the dye combination maycomprise about 19.6% Yellow CY03, about 7.1% Orange 8150, about 1.8%Orange type

-, and about 71.4% Diffusant EBFF by weight, based upon the total weightof the dye combination. Other methods to incorporate the colorant intothe lenses are possible, e.g., the lenses could be immersed into a dyebath.

Certain embodiments of computer eyewear can incorporate other opticaltreatments and/or features described elsewhere in this disclosure. Forexample, various embodiments can also include a hard coating, a mirrorcoating, an anti-reflective (AR) coating or a flash mirror, combinationsof the same, or the like on one or more of the base and ocular lenssurfaces to reduce haze, glare, and scratches. In some embodiments, thecoatings can be fabricated by one or more metal and/or dielectric layersformed by vacuum deposition, physical vapor deposition, lamination of asheet of reflective material on a lens surface, for example, with anadhesive, or any other thin film coating technology. Persons skilled inthe art would understand that when choosing materials for the colorantand/or lenses or when manufacturing the lenses, any coatings to be usedin the final computer eyewear product are preferably accounted for inorder to provide the targeted transmission curve, e.g., FIG. 7C. In someembodiments, using a blue coating, e.g., a blue flash mirror thatreflects blue more than other colors, can reduce the amount of yellowcolor because, without subscribing to any particularly scientifictheory, it is possible that blue may counteract and subdue yellow. Thus,transmission curve 760 c provides an example transmission curve for alens whose yellow tint takes into consideration the effects on color andlight transmission of the blue flash mirror.

Various embodiments of computer eyewear also can incorporate otheradditional features, e.g., frames and removable side-shields, asdescribed herein. For example, various embodiments also include a frameportion disposed about a first and second lens (or a first and secondlens portion) to provide support. In some embodiments, the wrap anglecan be within about 11 degrees to about 27 degrees range. For example,in some embodiments, the wrap angle can be between about 12 degrees toabout 15 degrees with about a +/−1 degree tolerance. In otherembodiments, the wrap angle can be between about 18 degrees to about 26degrees with about a +/−1 degree tolerance. Persons skilled in the artwould understand that when choosing materials for the colorant and/orlenses or when manufacturing the lenses, any frames to be used in thefinal computer eyewear product are preferably accounted for in order toprovide the targeted transmission curve, e.g., FIG. 7C. For example,lenses in frames can trap light, thus changing the viewed color. Rimlessframes, in some embodiments, can trap more light than rimmed frames.

Various embodiments of computer eyewear can include a first and secondlens or a first and second lens portion, each lens or lens portionhaving optical power in the range from about +0.1 to about +0.5diopters, about +0.1 to about +0.45 diopters, about +0.1 to about +0.4diopters, about +0.1 to about +0.35 diopters, about +0.1 to about +0.3diopters, about +0.1 to about +0.25 diopters, or about +0.1 to about +2diopters, or any other diopter power specified herein. Each lens canhave optical power less than about +0.5 diopters, less than about +0.25diopters, or equal to about +0.2 diopters. Each lens or lens portion canhave substantially the same optical power or can have a differentoptical power. Each lens or lens portion can provide spectral filteringcharacterized by a transmission curve described herein.

In certain embodiments of computer eyewear, the first and second lens(or the first and second lens portion) have substantially the sameoptical power to provide off-the-shelf correction for a user havingsubstantially normal uncorrected or spectacle vision when viewing acomputer screen. Certain embodiments include a kit comprising a packageof three or more pairs of the off-the-shelf computer eyewear. The kitscan include three or more pairs of off-the-shelf computer eyewear witheach pair having substantially the same optical power as the other pairsof computer eyewear within the kit. The kits can also include three ormore pairs of off-the-shelf computer eyewear with at least two pairshaving different optical power from each other, e.g., for differentfamily members. The non-prescription computer eyewear described hereincan be mass produced by known processes, e.g., injection molding asdescribed herein, or processes yet to be developed.

Certain embodiments can also provide for prescription computer eyewear.For example, the first and second lens can have an additional amount ofoptical power to provide prescriptive correction for a user when viewinga computer screen. Each lens can provide spectral filteringcharacterized by a similar transmission curve as provided in FIG. 7C.Such non-prescription computer eyewear can be produced by knownprocesses, e.g., immersion into a dye bath, or processes yet to bedeveloped. Various embodiments of computer eyewear, non-prescription orprescription, can also include any other features described herein,e.g., base curvature, wrap, and/or pantoscopic tilt.

In some embodiments, the computer eyewear 110 includes opticaltreatments to provide spatial filtering of light that is incident uponthe lenses 120. Spatial filtering of light incident upon the lenses 110can be used to preferentially attenuate the transmission of, orotherwise alter, light originating from a selected direction within auser's field of view. This can be done, for example, by applying opticaltreatments to the lenses 120 that cause the optical characteristics ofthe lenses 120 to spatially vary across one or more lens surfaces. Insome embodiments, optical treatments that provide spatial filtering oflight can have broadband spectral characteristics such that they affectall visible wavelengths of light substantially equally (e.g., neutraldensity spatial filtering). In other embodiments, optical treatments forspatial filtering can be combined with separate optical treatments forperforming spectral filtering of incident light, as described herein. Instill other embodiments, a single optical treatment, such as a partiallytransmissive mirror coating or tint, can be designed to perform bothspectral and spatial filtering.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a non-uniform optical treatment 800(illustrated as shading) for performing spatial filtering of lightincident upon a lens 803. The optical treatment 800 can be a partiallytransmissive mirror coating, tinting, a combination of the two, or thelike. The lens 803 includes a center region 801, which in someembodiments encompasses the mechanical center, or centroid, of the lens803. The lens 803 also includes periphery regions near the edge 802 ofthe lens 803. The periphery regions include an upper region, which canencompass, for example, any portion of the lens 803 nearer point A thanpoint B. The periphery regions can also include a lower region, whichcan encompass, for example, any portion of the lens 803 nearer point Bthan point A. For other lens shapes, the center, periphery, upper, andlower regions may be defined differently.

Point A is located in the vicinity of the upper region of the lens 803,while point B is located in the vicinity of the lower region of the lens803. The curve 852 of the graph 850 shows the transmission of lightthrough the lens 803 as a function of the position along the line ABthat is indicated on the lens 803. The dotted line 854 indicates thelevel of transmission of light through the lens in the absence of theoptical treatment 800 whose characteristics are illustrated by the curve852. For example, if the optical treatment 800 is a mirror coating, thedotted line 854 represents the amount of incident light that istransmitted through the lens 803 in the absence of the mirror coating,since not all incident light will be transmitted by the lens 803 even inregions with no mirror coating due to some amount of Fresnel reflectionat the air-lens interface.

In this embodiment, the optical treatment 800 is configured such thatthe transmissivity of the lens 803 increases smoothly from point A topoint B. Thus, the curve 852 illustrates one embodiment where thetransmissivity of the lens 803 is lesser in the vicinity of the upperregion than in the vicinity of the middle and lower regions. In someembodiments, the transmissivity of the lens 803 in the lower region isat least about 15% less than in the upper region, and could be as muchas approximately 70% less. While a transmission curve 852 is onlyindicated along the line AB, it should be understood that similar curvescould be drawn for other lines between upper and lower regions of thelens 803 to indicate a generally lower transmissivity in the upperregions of the lens than in the lower regions, as roughly illustrated bythe shading on the lens 803. Furthermore, in other embodiments, thetransmission curve 852 can increase from A to B according to any othersmooth path, including a linear path. The transmission curve 852 can bemonotonic, but this is not required. Smooth transitions may be desirablein certain embodiments to avoid harsh transitions in the opticalcharacteristics of the lens 803 between different regions in a user'sfield of view. However, discontinuous jumps in the transmission curve852 are also possible and desirable in some situations. In fact, thetransmission curve 852 may include more than one discontinuous jump suchas, for example, a step transition from one level of transmissivity toanother.

In the case where the optical treatment 800 is a partially transmissivemirror coating, the decreased transmissivity of the lens in the upperregion is due principally to the fact that the reflectivity of themirror coating is greater in the upper region of the lens 803. Increasedreflectivity of the partially transmissive mirror coating near the upperregion can be accomplished, for example, by making the partiallytransmissive mirror coating thicker in the upper region of the lens 803.In the case where the optical treatment 800 is a tinting material,decreased transmissivity of the lens 803 in the upper region near pointA is due principally to increased absorptivity of the tinting materialin the upper region of the lens 803. In either case, however, the dottedline 854 indicates the level of transmissivity of the lens 803 in theabsence of the optical treatment 800. Thus, since the transmission curve752 reaches up to the dotted line 754, at least a portion of the lens803 is not affected by the optical treatment 800 in this embodiment.

Embodiments like the one illustrated in FIG. 8 where the transmissivityof the lens 803 in the upper region is lesser than the transmissivity ofthe lens in the middle and lower regions can be useful in preferentiallyattenuating the transmission of light that originates in a user's upperfield of view. For example, when a user is seated at a computerterminal, the optical treatment 800 which provides for decreasedtransmissivity in the upper region of the lens 803, preferentiallyattenuates overhead lighting. This can reduce glare from the overheadlighting and make for more comfortable viewing of a computer terminal,reducing various symptoms of CVS. In addition, the optical treatment 800can be configured to attenuate spectral peaks in the spectrum of theoverhead lighting, as described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a non-uniform optical treatment900 (illustrated by the shading on lens 903) for performing spatialfiltering of light incident upon a lens 903. The optical treatment 900can be a partially transmissive mirror coating, tinting, a combinationof the two, or the like. As described with reference to the lens 803 ofFIG. 8, the lens 903 includes a center region 901 as well as peripheryregions. The periphery regions include an upper region, and a lowerregion. The periphery regions also include first and second sideregions, which can encompass, for example, any portion of the lens 903nearer point C than point D for the first region, or nearer point D thanpoint C for the second region.

Point A is located in the vicinity of the upper region of the lens 903,while point B is located in the vicinity of the lower region of the lens903. The curve 952 of the graph 950 shows the transmission of lightthrough the lens 903 as a function of position along the line AB that isindicated on the lens 903. The dotted line 954 indicates the level oftransmission of light through the lens in the absence of the opticaltreatment whose characteristics are illustrated by the curve 952.Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the optical treatmentis configured such that the transmissivity of the lens 903 increasessmoothly from point A to point B.

Point C is located in the vicinity of the first side region of the lens903, while point D is located in the vicinity of the second side regionof the lens 903. Similarly to curve 952, curve 958 of the graph 956shows optical transmission versus position on the lens. However, curve958 shows the transmissivity profile of the lens along line CD. Again,the dotted line 960 indicates the level of transmission of light throughthe lens in the absence of the optical treatment 900 whosecharacteristics are illustrated by the curve 958. The optical treatment900 is configured such that the transmissivity of the lens 903 variessmoothly from point C to point D and is lesser in the vicinity of thefirst and second side portions than in the vicinity of the middleregion.

While only two transmission curves 952 and 958 are indicated for thelens 903, it should be understood that similar curves could be drawn forother lines on the lens 903 to indicate a generally lower transmissivityin the upper and side regions of the lens than in the middle andlower-middle regions, as roughly illustrated by the shading on lens 903.In some embodiments, the transmissivity of the lens 903 varies smoothly,whether monotonically or not, from the upper and side regions to themiddle and lower-middle regions. In other embodiments, thetransmissivity can discontinuously jump between one or more levels oftransmissivity.

Embodiments where the transmissivity of the lens 903 in the upper andside regions is lesser than the transmissivity of the lens 903 in themiddle and lower-middle regions can be useful in preferentiallyattenuating the transmission of light that originates in the upper andside portions of a user's field of view. For users working at acomputer, this type of spatial filtering selectively attenuates lightfrom most sources other than a computer screen located in the middleregion of a user's field of view, as well as a desk area located in alower region of the user's field of vision. This type of embodimentreduces glare, not only from overhead lighting, but also from othersources of light, including reflections, in other portions of the user'speriphery field of view.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an optical treatment 1000 forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens 1003.Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the lens 1003includes an optical treatment 1000 that causes the upper and sideregions of the lens 1003 to have a lesser transmissivity than the middleand lower-middle portions. The optical treatment 1000 can be a partiallytransmissive mirror coating, tint, a combination of the two, or thelike. A distinctive feature of the optical treatment 1000 in thisembodiment is that it establishes a baseline level of reducedtransmission of light over substantially the entire lens 1003 surface.The level of transmission of light through the lens 1003 then decreasesfrom the baseline level in some regions of the lens 1003.

The baseline level of reduced transmission of light through the lens1003 is illustrated by the gap between the dotted line 1054 and thetransmission curve 1052 in graph 1050, as well as between the dottedline 1060 and the transmission curve 1058 in graph 1056. As before, thedotted lines 1054 and 1060 indicate the level of transmission of lightthrough the lens 1003 in the absence of the optical treatment 1000 whosecharacteristics are illustrated by the transmission curves 1052 and1058. The gaps show that the optical treatment 1000 applied to the lens1003 at least partially attenuates the transmission of light oversubstantially the entire lens surface and provides a baseline level ofattenuation of transmitted light.

For example, a partially transmissive mirror coating can be applied tosubstantially the entire lens 1003. The mirror coating can be configuredto provide a minimum level of reflectivity in the regions of the lens1003 where the transmission of light through the lens 1003 is greatest.For the embodiment of FIG. 10, the regions of greatest transmissivityare the middle and lower-middle regions of the lens. The reflectivity ofthe mirror coating then increases toward the upper and side regions ofthe lens 1003 where the transmissivity is less. Thus, the mirror coatingprovides a baseline level of reflectivity over the lens 1003, withincreased reflectivity in certain regions, rather than providing amirror coating over a portion of the lens 1003 only. In anotherembodiment, a similar effect is achieved by treating the lens 1003 witha tint. The tint can be applied over substantially the entire lens 1003to provide a non-zero baseline level of absorptivity, with increasedabsorptivity in certain regions of the lens 1003. For example, the tintcan be configured to provide increased absorptivity in the upper andside regions of the lens 1003 to attenuate the transmission of lightthrough the lens 1003 in those areas.

In some embodiments, the baseline amount of attenuation in thetransmissivity of the lens 1003 is provided by a first opticaltreatment, while increased attenuation in certain regions of the lens1003 is provided by a second optical treatment. Each optical treatmentcan be substantially neutral density, or can spectrally filter incidentlight as described above. For example, a uniform tint can be applied tothe lens 1003 to provide a baseline amount of decreased transmissivityof the lens. A non-uniform partially transmissive mirror coating canthen be applied to decrease the transmissivity of the lens in certainregions more than in others.

In one embodiment, the tint acts as a spectral filter that tends tobalance the spectrum of fluorescent or incandescent lighting in anoffice environment, as described herein. The tint can be substantiallyuniform so as to establish a baseline decrease in the transmission oflight through the lens 1003 over substantially its entire surface. Amirror coating can then be used to provide spatial filtering of incidentlight to reduce glare from, for example, overhead lighting. In anotherembodiment, the roles of the tint and the mirror coating are reversedsuch that the mirror coating is applied to the lens 1003 to provide abaseline reduction in the transmissivity of the lens 1003, while thetint is applied to provide spatial filtering of incident light. Otherdesigns are also possible.

It should be understood that, while FIG. 10 illustrates embodimentswhere a baseline reduction in the transmissivity of the lens 1003 isprovided along with increased reductions to the transmissivity of thelens in the upper and side regions, in other embodiments other regionsof the lens 1003 can have increased attenuation beyond the baselinelevel. Furthermore, the attenuation of the transmissivity of the lens1003 can vary smoothly (whether monotonically or not), as roughlyillustrated by the shading on lens 1003, or discontinuously.

In addition to providing optical treatments to selectively attenuate thetransmission of light through various regions of a lens, someembodiments include optical treatments for selectively altering theamount of light that is reflected from a surface of a lens. For example,an optical treatment can be provided that selectively reduces the amountof light that originates generally from beside and behind a user that isreflected from the ocular curve of a lens into the eyes. One suchembodiment is illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of an optical treatment 1100 forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens 1103. In thisembodiment, the optical treatment 1100 is an AR coating applied to theocular curve, or eye-side surface, of the lens 1103, though in someembodiments it is a partially transmissive mirror coating or tintapplied to either the base or ocular curve. As in FIGS. 8-10, the lens1103 includes a center region 1101 and peripheral regions. Theperipheral regions include an upper region, a lower region, and firstand second side regions.

Point A is located in the vicinity of the upper region of the lens 1103,while point B is located in the vicinity of the lower region of the lens1103. The curve 1152 of the graph 1150 shows reflection of light fromthe lens 1103 as a function of position along the line AB. Likewise, thecurve 1158 of the graph 1156 shows reflection of light from the lens1103 as a function of position along the line CD. In this embodiment,the AR coating is configured such that the reflectivity of the lens 1103is lesser in the periphery regions than in the middle region. In fact,the reflectivity of the lens decreases smoothly from the middle regionof the lens, represented on the graphs 1150 and 1156 as the portionbetween points A and B and between points C and D, though in otherembodiments the reflectivity may vary discontinuously.

Thus, FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment where the characteristics of theoptical treatment vary according to a gradient extending radially from acenter location. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates an optical treatmentwith an annular gradient. Contour lines of the gradient illustrated inFIG. 11 will generally have closed paths. In some embodiments, thecontour lines of the gradient are substantially circular, though theycould be elliptical or have any other closed path. In some embodiments,an optical treatment with this type of gradient is formed on a lens bypatterning the gradient on a thin film and then laminating the thin filmonto a surface of the lens. This thin film can be, for example, atinting layer, a mirror coating layer, or an AR coating layer.

The AR coating represented by FIG. 11 is effective at reducing glarefrom light that originates generally from behind a user and is incidentupon the ocular curve of the lens 1103. For example, in an officeenvironment if a window is located behind the user, light from thewindow could reflect from the ocular side of the lens 1103 and into theuser's eye, resulting in increased glare and associated symptoms of CVS.However, since the AR coating represented in FIG. 11 is located on theocular curve of the lens 1103, it is effective at decreasing glare fromlighting that originates generally behind the user but that is notblocked by the user's head. The AR coating can be configured to decreasethe reflectivity of the lens 1103 more substantially in the peripheralregions of the lens than in the middle region since light that reflectsfrom the middle region of the ocular side of the lens 1103 is lesslikely to be re-directed into the user's eyes. In other embodiments, theAR coating may be substantially uniform over the surface of the ocularside of the lens 1103. In some embodiments, an AR coating can also beformed on the base side of the lens 1103.

Various embodiments of improved computer eyewear have been disclosedherein. In some embodiments, the embodiments of computer eyewear areoff-the-shelf, non-prescription eyewear. Since the computer eyewear isnon-prescription eyewear, it can be mass manufactured without knowledgeof the optometric prescriptions of the end-users for which the eyewearis intended. Once manufactured, sets of the computer eyewear can bepackaged together for shipping to retailers. A package can includemultiple sets of the eyewear with identical optical power, or sets ofcomputer eyewear with several different amounts of optical power. Forexample, the package could include three or more pairs of eyewear,though the number can vary. In some embodiments, the package includes atleast five pairs of eyewear, while in others the package includes atleast ten pairs of eyewear. The computer eyewear can also be packaged aspart of a kit that also includes instructions for proper usage of theeyewear. For example, the instructions can direct the user to view acomputer screen with the eyewear at a given viewing distance. Forexample, in some embodiments, the eyewear is intended for viewing acomputer display at a distance of 30 inches or less. The kit can alsoinclude removable side-shields for use with the eyewear.

While certain embodiments of computer eyewear have been explicitlydescribed herein, other embodiments will become apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure. Therefore, the scopeof the inventions is intended to be defined by reference to the claimsand not simply with regard to the explicitly described embodiments.Furthermore, while some embodiments have been described in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, a wide variety of variation is possible.For example, components, and/or elements may be added, removed, orrearranged.

APPENDIX A Summary of Experimental Test Results

Power preference statistics:

Total Pool 34.85% preferred + .125 power 30.30% preferred + .250 power16.67% preferred + .375 power  9.10% preferred + .500 power 12.12%preferred planar Age group 20-24 38.10% preferred + .125 power 47.62%preferred + .250 power  0.00% preferred + .375 power  0.00% preferred +.500 power  9.52% preferred planar Age Group 25-39 23.33% preferred +.125 power 26.67% preferred + .250 power 23.33% preferred + .375 power13.33% preferred + .500 power 16.67% preferred planar Age Group 40+46.67% preferred + .125 power 20.00% preferred + .250 power 26.67%preferred + .375 power 13.33% preferred + .500 power  6.67% preferredplanarWhile wearing their preferred computer eyewear, participants (58) felt:

Eyes more moisturized 6.90% Eyes more energized 22.41% Eyes more relaxed62.07% Computer screen clearer and text sharper 51.72%

1. Computer eyewear comprising: first and second lens, each havingoptical power in the range from about +0.1 to about +0.5 diopters, eachlens providing spectral filtering characterized by a transmission curve,the transmission curve including: a stop band portion positioned betweenabout 320 nm to about 400 nm, the stop band portion reducing transmittedlight by at least about 95% on average; a first plateau regionpositioned between about 420 nm to about 450 nm, the first plateauregion transmitting at least about 30% of light on average; a rampregion positioned between about 470 nm to about 560 nm, the ramp regionhaving higher transmission than the plateau region and reducingtransmitted light by about 25% to about 35% on average at about 470 nmto about 480 nm; and a second plateau region positioned between about570 nm to about 680 nm, the second plateau region reducing transmittedlight by less than or equal to about 3% on average at about 640 nm toabout 660 nm; and a frame portion disposed about the first and secondlens to provide support.
 2. The computer eyewear of claim 1, whereineach lens comprises a yellow tint to contribute to the spectralfiltering.
 3. The computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the stop bandportion reduces the transmitted light by at least about 97%.
 4. Thecomputer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the stop band portion transmits atleast about 1% of light between about 320 nm to about 400 nm.
 5. Thecomputer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the first plateau region extendsover a width of at least about 10 nm.
 6. The computer eyewear of claim1, wherein the first plateau region extends between about 430 nm toabout 440 nm.
 7. The computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the firstplateau region transmits about 32% to about 36% of light.
 8. Thecomputer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the first plateau region transmitsabout 32.5% to about 35.5% of light.
 9. The computer eyewear of claim 1,wherein the ramp region extends over a width of at least about 50 nm.10. The computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the ramp region extendsbetween about 480 nm and about 530 nm.
 11. The computer eyewear of claim1, wherein the ramp region reduces transmitted light by about 25.5% toabout 34.5% at about 470 nm to about 480 nm
 12. The computer eyewear ofclaim 1, wherein the ramp region reduces transmitted light by about 26%to about 34% at about 470 nm to about 480 nm
 13. The computer eyewear ofclaim 1, wherein the ramp region reduces transmitted light by about26.5% to about 33.5% at about 470 nm to about 480 nm
 14. The computereyewear of claim 1, wherein the second plateau region reducestransmitted light by less than or equal to about 2.5% of light at about640 nm to about 660 nm.
 15. The computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein thesecond plateau region reduces transmitted light by less than or equal toabout 2% of light at about 640 nm to about 660 nm.
 16. The computereyewear of claim 1, wherein the first and second lens have substantiallythe same optical power to provide off-the-shelf correction for a userhaving substantially normal uncorrected or spectacle vision when viewinga computer screen.
 17. A kit comprising a package of three or more pairsof the computer eyewear of claim
 1. 18. The computer eyewear of claim 1,wherein the first and second lens have an additional amount of opticalpower to provide prescriptive correction for a user when viewing acomputer screen, each lens providing spectral filtering characterized bya transmission curve.
 19. The computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein eachlens has optical power less than about +0.5 diopters.
 20. The computereyewear of claim 1, wherein each lens has optical power less than about+0.25 diopters.
 21. The computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein each lenshas optical power equal to about +0.2 diopters.
 22. The computer eyewearof claim 1, wherein the computer eyewear has wrap or pantoscopic tilt.23. Computer eyewear comprising: first and second lens, each havingoptical power in the range from about +0.1 to about +0.5 diopters, eachlens providing spectral filtering characterized by a transmission curve,the transmission curve including: a stop band portion positioned betweenabout 320 nm to about 400 nm; a first plateau region positioned betweenabout 420 nm to about 450 nm; a ramp region positioned between about 470nm to about 560 nm, the ramp region having higher transmission than theplateau region; and a second plateau region positioned between about 570nm to about 680 nm, wherein a ratio of a percent transmission at about470 nm to a percent transmission at about 440 nm is about 1.8 to about2.2; and a frame portion disposed about the first and second lens toprovide support.
 24. The computer eyewear of claim 23, wherein the ratiois about 1.9 to about 2.1
 25. The computer eyewear of claim 23, a ratioof a percent transmission at about 650 nm to a percent transmission atabout 470 nm is about 1.3 to about 1.5.
 26. The computer eyewear ofclaim 25, the ratio of the percent transmission at about 650 nm to thepercent transmission at about 470 nm is about 1.35 to about 1.45. 27.The computer eyewear of claim 23, a ratio of a percent transmission atabout 650 nm to a percent transmission at about 440 nm is about 2.7 toabout 2.9.
 28. The computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond lens each comprise a dye combination comprising about 20% YellowCY03, about 7% Orange 8150, about 2% Orange type

-, and about 71% Diffusant EBFF by weight, based upon the total weightof the dye combination.
 29. The computer eyewear of claim 23, whereinthe first and second lens each comprise a dye combination comprisingabout 20% Yellow CY03, about 7% Orange 8150, about 2% Orange type

-, and about 71% Diffusant EBFF by weight, based upon the total weightof the dye combination.